acicula

[uh-sik-yuh-luh]

noun

plural

aciculae 

1. a needlelike part; spine, bristle, or needlelike crystal.

2. a plural of aciculum.

acicula

/ əˈsɪkjʊlə /

noun

1. a needle-shaped part, such as a spine, prickle, or crystal

Other Word Forms

• acicular adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acicula¹

1875–80; < New Latin, Late Latin, alteration of acucula ornamental pin, equivalent to Latin acu-, stem of acus needle ( acute ) + -cula -cule ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of acicula¹

C19: New Latin, diminutive of acus needle

Example Sentences

The banks of Aripo are not the only localities, nor is the acicula the only mollusc, by which pearls are furnished.

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